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INSIST ON THE YELLOW BAG
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
WINTER FEED
EDITION 1
Winter feed and quality, dependable fodder production are important to maintaining productivity in times where pastures are not growing well enough. Well established and managed autumn-planted annual crops will allow for increased productivity at times when perennials may be growing slowly, and will remove grazing pressure from your valuable pastures, keeping them in good shape for the next growing season. Targeted and well-grown silage and hay may be essential for feeding out in dry, cold and at other challenging times, or as cash crops for sale.
There are some very useful species to consider using and, at Heritage Seeds, we have been developing improved cultivars to meet particular challenges and opportunities for various enterprises. Annuals, forage rapes, cereals and vetches are vitally important for winter-dominant rainfall, summer-dry areas. They also have valuable attributes for milder summer areas where winters may be colder.
New ryegrass genetics that offer potential for multiple years of winter feed are now readily available and well received. Fast-establishing specialty forage cereals and ryegrasses also offer an efficient option for topping up or over-seeding existing pastures to enhance winter feed, whether in the warmer, coastal Kikuyu-based systems or the cooler inland and southern zones.
For increased feed quality, Heritage Seeds has an unsurpassed range of annual clovers, vetches and chicory to include in feed and fodder programs. If you are looking for productive rotational crops, a reliable spring surplus for silage or hay, or simply more feed in winter, with the right option from Heritage Seeds, you can grow with confidence.
WINTER FEED AND FORAGES INTRODUCTION
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Success with winter feed and forages 4
Winter feed and fodder selection chart 5
Fast-feed ryegrasses 6
Annual ryegrass 7
Italian ryegrass 8
Hybrid ryegrass 9
Annual clovers 10
Forage rape and leafy turnips 12
Forage cereals 14
Vetch 18
Winter forages quick reference guide 20–23
Pasture mixes 24
Other publications from Heritage Seeds 25
Winter forages in an animal production enterprise are usually needed when:
1. There is more feed needed in the cooler times when pastures are slow; or
2. Existing perennial pastures are not up to scratch and need renewal; or
3. Fodder options are limited.
Keeping paddock records of grazing history or pasture measurements are usually the best ways of determining which paddocks to target for renewal or for topping up and oversowing. As with all successful crops and pastures, planning, preparation, timely operations, weed and pest management, grazing and using fertiliser effectively are all important factors in helping to assure a good outcome.
Key elements for the success of winter feed and fodder crops:• Paddock records
• Soil testing
• Right species and variety to suit the job needed
• Paddock preparation for fertility, soil amendments and cultivation if required
• Sowing in a timely fashion, suitable depth, with appropriate moisture
• Appropriate fertiliser program to assure productivity prospects
• Early weed and pest control
• Grazing management.
And for silage and hay:• Timely cessation of grazing
• Suitable application of fertiliser (and irrigation if applicable) to meet yield targets
• Ongoing pest monitoring and response as required
• Well-executed, timely harvest operations.
Which species and variety to use, and how to go about it will depend on your individual circumstances and objectives. This guide offers information on the most useful winter feed and fodder production options for much of the Australian pastoral scene. Your Heritage Seeds’ Territory Manager and other good pasture advisers will be able to offer further technical advice.
SUCCESS WITH WINTER FEED AND FORAGES
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
4
Brassica and Summer Forage Guide
WINTER FEED AND FODDER SELECTION CHART
Requirement Purpose Suitable species and variety Page
Quality fast feed
Autumn and winter feed main focus, terminate crop in spring
General purpose LEAFMORE 12
High performance INTERVAL 12
Fastest to first grazing FALCON 12
Winter and early spring feed with good, quality silage and hay prospects
General purpose VORTEX 7
Plus highest quality hay
ARNIE 7
Very late season HOGAN 7
Quality feed, ongoing
Later into spring or early summer or potential for a second year
High performance TEMPO 8
General Purpose ASTON 8
2−3 years plus, good growing conditions
High performance SHOGUN 9
Tougher, drier sites BARBERIA 9
2−3 year grass free pasture/improved feed quality
Highest feed quality COMMANDER 13
Fast, bulk feed + silage or hay
Early sowing (Jan−Apr)Long growing season with multiple grazings possible
OATS (VARIOUS) 15
Mid season sowing (Mar−May)Ideal for 1−2 grazings followed by a big silage crop
CRACKERJACK 2 16
Later sowing (Apr− Jun)
Fast feed for later sowing. Also excellent standing feed at maturity
DICTATOR 2 16
Quality specific fodder production
Improved protein with bulkOften sown in mixes with cereals, especially oats
VETCH (VARIOUS) 18
Improved protein, energyUsually added to ryegrasses
CLOVERS (VARIOUS) 10
Late option, bulk quality feedSuits late winter and early spring sowing
PEA & OAT 24
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
5
Brassica and Summer Forage Guide
Short-term ryegrasses are a popular and highly reliable autumn, winter and spring forage with terrific prospects for one or a number of fodder crops in spring. There are three main categories that suit winter feed and forage production:
Annual ryegrass is popular in areas with winter dominant rainfall and dry, hot summers. Often used for quick autumn and winter feed and/or as a silage, hay or green manure crop, particularly where there is no expectation or requirement for summer growth.
Italian ryegrass has application in areas where late spring growth is reliable, or where summers are mild and a second year may be required. They are very useful for oversowing into existing pastures as a boost for a year or two.
Hybrid ryegrasses work well where multiple years are required with very good autumn and winter growth, and the persistence of true perennial ryegrass may be unreliable. They are also excellent for over-sowing. This category of ryegrass offers potential for summer production where moisture and conditions allow.
Ryegrass heading date (relative time to reach flowering stage) is an important consideration when selecting varieties to suit production systems. It is often beneficial to have a range of heading dates on farm.
As a rule, the earlier the heading date, the more late winter growth potential and the more pronounced the spike in spring growth. Conversely, it is typical for late heading date varieties to exhibit a little less winter growth, have a longer but steadier spring flush, thus allowing for greater flexibility and extended pasture quality into early summer.
Earlier varieties:
• Suit paddocks or locations that typically finish earlier e.g. north facing, lighter soils
• Maximise the potential from rain fed (dryland) production with an early spring flush
• Likely to complement later paddocks by providing more feed in late winter/early spring
• Allow for allocation of paddocks for fodder conservation, later paddocks being grazed
• May be considered for sites where lower input costs are justified.
Later varieties:
• Suit sites where the spring season holds on longer and irrigation
• Offer higher feed quality and animal performance over an extended period
• Maximise the potential value from summer irrigation or moist summer conditions
• Potentially spreads the silage/hay season risk and workload
• Better prospects for a second or third cut
• More usually suited to sites where higher outputs are being targeted.
FAST-FEED RYEGRASSES (Lolium spp.)
Italian and annual ryegrasses
Short-terms
Very Early GRASSMAX - 3
Early Season 0 Tetila (true)
4 T-Rex
Mid Season
8 Maximus
Mid-late Season VORTEX 10
ASTON 15 Tabu
Late Season ARNIE 17
TEMPO 18
HULK 19
ANNUAL
Very late HOGAN 22 ITALIAN
Italian and annual ryegrass heading dates
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
6
• Mid–late flowering• Excellent autumn, winter and early spring growth• Good quality• Ideal for fast, cool-season feed, silage and hay• Good heat tolerance• Replacement for Maximus and T-Rex.
VORTEX
• Late maturing diploid annual ryegrass• Densely tillered, fine leaves and an upright growth habit• Quick to first grazing• Good spring growth and rust resistance• Excellent autumn/winter production plus strong late spring growth• Very useful for hay and/or silage• Highly adaptable across a diverse range of environments.
• New release• Latest maturity annual available (+22 days)• Very fast establishment for early grazing potential• Excellent autumn/winter production plus strong late spring growth• Good spring growth and rust resistance• Good prospects for second cut or after-spring grazing• Well suited to high production areas with good spring growth
prospects.
ARNIE
Most soil types
Most soil types
Most soil types
4.8–8.0
4.8–8.0
4.8–8.0
550mm+
500mm+
600mm+
HOGAN
ANNUAL RYEGRASS(L. multiflorum, L. westerwoldicum)
Brassica and Summer Forage Guide
Annual ryegrasses are sown for a high quality, short-term winter crop, providing multiple grazings in winter and spring. They are generally used for a 6−9+ month winter crop prior to sowing a summer crop, or to make the most of a growing season rainfall where late season rain is unreliable.
Annual ryegrass exhibits the greatest winter growth potential of all the ryegrass types. Including annual ryegrass when sowing a permanent pasture is not generally recommended, as annuals die out, allowing space for weeds to take over. They also establish rapidly and compete strongly with perennial species.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � � �t t
Feed u u u� � � � � �t t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Useful co-species:Italian ryegrass, white clover, red clover, annual clovers, chicory and forage rape
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
7
Italian ryegrasses are sown as highly productive short-term pastures in areas with mild summers or where late season rains or irrigation may permit pasture growth into late spring and early summer. They are also well suited to over-sowing into run down pastures and may be sown in spring where summer moisture is reliable. Italian ryegrass can persist for 2−3 years in summer mild areas under irrigation or reliable summer rainfall.
In summer-dry or summer-hot areas, it will generally thin out over summer, being productive for only one year, but will continue to produce quality feed through spring and into early summer, giving it an advantage over annual ryegrasses. Italian ryegrass also establishes rapidly and competes strongly with perennial species. Some farming operations over-sow annually or biennially to maximise the benefits of strong cool season growth with late season quality. Italian ryegrasses from Heritage Seeds will not cause staggers.
ITALIAN RYEGRASS(L. multiflorum)
• High yielding tetraploid Italian ryegrass• High overall yield regardless of seasonal or regional variations• Very fast establishment• Consistently even seasonal growth pattern, offering reliable feed
through the growing season• Intermediate growth habit with a reasonably open sward• Very well suited to over-sowing.
• New release• Increased overall yield, autumn, winter and spring yield compared to
industry standard varieties• Very fast establishment• Highly reliable – widely tested and consistent• Grazing, silage, hay – all stock classes• Highly suitable for over-sowing• Will be the new benchmark in this category.
ASTON
Most soil types
Most soil types
4.8–8.0
4.8–8.0
650mm+
500mm+
TEMPO
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � � �tFeed u u u� � � � � � �t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Useful co-species:Annual ryegrass, hybrid ryegrass, white clover, red clover, annual clovers, chicory and forage rape
RYEGRASS SOWING RATES
New sowings Oversowing
Type Variety High input/irrigation Good dryland Marginal dryland In mixes as main grass component
Existing ryegrass, lucerne, clover etc. Existing Kikuyu
Annuals
Vortex 25–35 25 20 20–25 20–25 35–50
Arnie 20–25 15–20 12–15 15–20 15–20 25–35
Hogan 25–35 25 20 20–25 20–25 35–50
ItaliansAston 25–35 25 20 20–25 20–25 35–50
Tempo 20–25 15–20 12–15 15–20 15–20 25–35
HybridsShogun 25–35 25 20 20–25 20–25 35–50
Barberia 20–25 15–20 10–15 12–18 10–15 Rarely
*In some circumstances there have been benefits from adopting higher sowing rates.
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
8
This category of grass is well suited to specialist high performance paddocks, and is also very suitable for over-sowing and topping up thinning older stands. Hybrid ryegrasses are generally produced by plant breeders crossing Italian ryegrass with perennial ryegrass. Hybrid ryegrasses tend to fall between Italian and perennial ryegrasses in growth and persistence, but varieties vary widely. Some are more similar to Italian ryegrass and some to perennial ryegrass.
Hybrids provide better winter production than perennial ryegrass and are best used in mild summer areas where they may persist for 3−5 years. Shogun and Barberia hybrid ryegrasses will last for a number of years supplying very high quality feed year round. They require less frequent re-sowing than annual, Italian or many other (shorter-term) hybrids. For sites requiring winter performance with some summer hardiness, Barberia is a remarkably reliable option. Where winter and summer performance are expected, Shogun is a standout.
HYBRID RYEGRASSES (L. hybridum, L. boucheanum syn.)
• A true breakthrough in grass breeding• Very late flowering (+26 days) • Exceptionally high yield potential, matching the best Italian ryegrasses• High winter growth and good summer production • Excellent feed quality• Improved persistence over other hybrid ryegrasses• Grows like an Italian and persists for multiple years• Ideal for over-sowing run-down pastures• Suited to farm systems requiring exceptional autumn, winter and summer
performance• NEA endophyte:
• Good insect tolerance• No staggers.
• Very early flowering (-21 days)• Very fast establishing• Winter performance like an Italian• Potential for persistence over 5 years+ (3−5 typical)• Highly palatable, good clover companion• Excellent option for autumn, winter and early spring feed• Good heat tolerance• A good choice where prairie grass may be considered
• Suited to over-sowing• Endophyte free = no staggers.
SHOGUN
Most soil types
Most soil types
4.8–8.0
4.8–8.0
650mm+
500mm+
BARBERIA
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � � t
Feed u u u� � � � � � � �
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Useful co-species:Italian ryegrass, white clover, sub clover, red clover, annual clovers and chicory
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
9
Annual clover offers a range of grazing, hay and silage options with multiple benefits including nitrogen fixation, weed control rotations and disease breaks. The addition of annual clovers to grass or hay mixes can increase feed quality, protein of feed and provide nitrogen for grass or cereal to grow.
Annual clovers are best suited to rotational grazing. When used in a mixed sward, graze to manage grass but ensure animals do not re-graze areas, as this will greatly affect the recovery of annual clover. In pure stands, avoid grazing in the middle of winter. Don’t graze below 5−8cm to allow maximum recovery. These clovers are generally annual options only, however hard-seeded varieties (e.g. Vista balansa, Zulu II arrowleaf, Nitro Persian) can be locked up just prior to flower initiation. They will then flower and set seed, thus providing a seed-bank.
ANNUAL CLOVERS
Versatile option for medium rainfall areas that suits most soils of acid−neutral pH. Tolerates mild salinity and some waterlogging. Suitable for grazing and fodder conservation with fair to good winter growth. Often used as part of a High Density Legume (HDL) mix as the earliest flowering component. Also useful as an addition or alternative to sub-clover in perennial pastures, or to add bulk and quality to annual and Italian ryegrass hay crops. Regenerates by re-seeding. Hard-seeded.
Suitable for medium rainfall areas that suits well-drained soils of acid−neutral pH and tolerates mild salinity. Good for grazing and fodder conservation with fair winter growth. It is very late flowering and seed set can be affected by drought. Often used as part of a HDL mix as the latest flowering component.
• Late season maturity – approximately 130 days• Superior spring/early summer growth• Tolerates waterlogging and mild soil salinity• Well suited for annual/short term ryegrass mixes• High quality hay or standing feed• High hard seed levels aid regeneration• Replaces and supersedes Bolta and Paradana.
• Approximately 130 days to flowering• Excellent tolerance to acid soils• Excellent spring and early summer growth• Well adapted to loamy and deep acidic sandy soils• Deep taproot which can increase growth in drier seasons• High level of hard seed ensures good regeneration• Not known to cause bloat.
BALANSA CLOVER (Trifolium michelianum) 1–3 kg/ha (in a mix)
ARROWLEAF CLOVER (Trifolium vesiculosum) 3–6 kg/ha (in a mix)
VISTA
ZULU II
Wide range
C or AgriCote
4.5–8.0450mm+
Well drained
C or AgriCote
4.5–7.5400mm+
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
10
Highly reliable option for medium rainfall areas that suits most soils of mildly acidic−moderately alkaline pH. Tolerates mild salinity and some waterlogging. Suitable for grazing and fodder conservation with fair to good winter growth. It is later flowering than balansa and an essential component in HDL mixes. Also useful as an addition to sub-clover in longer-term pastures, or to add bulk and quality to annual and Italian ryegrass hay crops. Regenerates by re-seeding. Hard-seeded and soft-seeded varieties available.
PERSIAN CLOVER (Trifolium resupinatum) 3−6 kg/ha (in a mix)
• Late season Persian – approximately 165 days to flowering• Well suited to irrigation and summer rainfall• Suitable for multiple grazing and hay cuts• Used for fodder cropping and HDL mixes• Superior quality to Maral or Shaftal• Suitable for mixes with short-term ryegrass• Typically 20−30% more DM yield than Shaftal.
• Mid season maturity – about 145 days to flowering• Vigorous, erect to semi-erect annual clover• Establishes quickly from a later sowing• Tolerates waterlogging and mild soil salinity• Forage/fodder cropping/HDLs or annual mixes• Can be sown with oats or short-term ryegrass.
• Prostrate to semi-prostrate self-regenerating annual clover• Early-mid season maturity – as early as 68 days to flowering• Average 114 days to flowering• High hard seed level – excellent regeneration• Tolerates waterlogging and mild soil salinity• Suitable for haymaking and grazing• Excellent cereal rotation legume• Supersedes Kyambro.
LASER
LIGHTNING
NITRO PLUS
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � �t t
Feed u u u� � � � �t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Wide range
C or AgriCote
5.5–8.5325mm+
Wide range
C or AgriCote
5.5–8.0450mm+
Wide range
C or AgriCote
5.5–8.5550mm+
HDL mixesHigh density legume (HDL) blends are a very useful finishing option, and may also be used in rotations for weed management and nitrogen fixation. Balansa, Persian and arrowleaf clovers are often key components in two, three or four-way HDL mixes, usually sown at 8−15 kg/ha. Berseem, crimson and some sub-clovers may also be considered.
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
11
Rape is a fast-maturing leafy, single or multi-graze crop that can be sown for summer, autumn or winter feed. Rape has a broader adaptation that most other brassicas and can be used with great success for winter feed. Leafy turnips are forage brassica hybrids that may be utilised in a similar manner to rape and usually offer feed a little more quickly although are typically lower yielding.
Rape can be sown from the prior spring through summer and into to mid-autumn. It is most usually sown as a lone stand, but may be sown in combination with other autumn forages such as annual or Italian ryegrass with good results. Rape’s feed value is high, but usually the crop must be mature before grazing, approximately 10−12 weeks after sowing. In many cases modern cultivars may be grazed from 8−10 weeks and when well-proportioned with other co-species, may be grazed earlier if required.
FORAGE RAPE AND LEAFY TURNIPSForage rape (Brassica napus) 3−4 kg/ha (1−2 kg/ha in a mix)Leafy turnips (Brassica campestris spp rapa) 5−8 kg/ha (2−4 kg/ha in a mix)
• Tall, fast-establishing rape • Excellent for both summer and winter feed• Offers valuable feed opportunities for farmers wanting to finish stock• Strong frost tolerance and resistance to powdery mildew• Suitable for 1−2 or more grazings from a late summer early
autumn sowing.
• Superior cold growth habit and frost tolerance• Vigorous establishment and high yielding• Early maturity to first grazing (8−10 weeks)• Suitable for autumn and spring sowing• Excellent regrowth for up to 4 grazings• Multi-stemmed with semi-erect growth habit• High forage quality with good leaf to stem ratio and high dry matter.
• Quick feed in 6−8 weeks—suits sowing from early spring to mid-autumn
• Excellent companion plant for spring or autumn sown annual forages• A break crop as part of a pasture renovation program• May be used in a mix with other species for specific outcomes,
although has excellent feed quality attributes when sown as a sole variety
• Very suitable for dairy, finishing and extensive sheep and cattle enterprises.
INTERVAL
LEAFMORE
FALCON
Plant u u� � �t t
Feed u u� � � � �t t t t
Plant u u� �t t
Feed u u� � �t t t
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � �t t
Feed u u� � � �t t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW (AUTUMN PLANTED)
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Wide range
Wide range
Wide range
5.5–8.0
5.5–8.0
5.5–8.0
450mm+
450mm+
500mm+
INTERVAL
LEAFMORE
FALCON
Typical sowing times Brassicas should be early autumn sown—when soil temperatures are still up around 12−14 degrees or higher.
Cool-temperate areas Southern and highland Victoria, coastal South Australia and Tasmania: (Mid Feb – early April).
Warm-temperate areas Northern Victoria, Inland South Australia, New South Wales, coastal southern Western Australia: (Early March – late April /early May).
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
12
Chicory offers an opportunity for diversifying the feed base, a grass-free break, or to help resolve feed gaps or problematic pasture areas. Typically it is most productive and manageable as a sole stand, both in terms of getting the best out of them and addressing weed issues. Mixtures with other species are often popular, and chicory has the ability to improve the timeliness and quality of feed on offer by contributing to metabolisable energy (ME), digestibility and palatability of mixed swards. It is often used as a 1−3 year forage in combination with short-term grasses and clovers or forage brassicas. Chicory is also a useful oversowing option for older lucerne stands.
Chicory is a persistent leafy herb lasting 2−3 years with a large tap root. It performs best in fertile, free draining soils in regions of greater than 550mm rainfall or irrigation. It has potential for high dry matter of excellent quality with most growth through warmer periods. Chicory should be sown at 6−8 kg/ha as a sole stand or at 2−4 kg/ha as part of a grass-clover mix, and is suited to sowing in early autumn, spring and early summer where circumstances allow.
Reliable establishment of chicory usually requires a well prepared seed bed and soil temperatures of over 11−12°C. Chicory should be rotationally grazed on a 4−6 week rotation and will require added nitrogen for maximum performance. Avoid grazing with heavier stock classes in wet conditions as trampling will affect stand longevity.
CHICORY (Cichorium intybus) 6−8 kg/ha (2−4 kg/ha in a mix)
• Chicory for high performance sites• 15−20% higher yield than prostrate types• Performs all year round including winter• Fast establishment and regrowth after grazing• High quality winter active forage chicory• Erect growth habit offers high utilisation• Responds to summer rain and irrigation• Low crown gives good persistence over 2−3 years.
COMMANDER
Most soil types4.5–7.5550mm+
Benefits from using autumn-sown rape or leafy turnips:
• High feed value and low cost option, grass break, carry through winter and regrowth potential
• Grazing through winter, possibly though spring/early summer in some cases
• High yield, taking pressure off other parts/pastures of the farm
• Alternative high value and timely feed option compared to forage cereals or straight grass
• In ryegrass mixes, brassicas will give 1−3 grazings through winter, then the grass will dominate into spring
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � �t t
Feed u u u u� � � � �
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
13
Forage cereals are quick to establish and have strong winter and spring growth. Well managed crops produce moderate to high quality feed that can either be directly grazed or cut and conserved as hay or silage.
The Heritage Seeds’ program of breeding and development that underlies the release of varieties is unmatched. New varieties are developed for tolerance to multiple grazing, high quality and high forage yields. Further evaluation in tough conditions means that these true forage cereals have the ability to perform as needed for the Australian grazing and forage industries.
Whilst most cereals may offer some grazing or silage/hay-making opportunity, true forage cereals are developed with traits that include:
• Rapid establishment
• Fast recovery from grazing
• Higher early-season grazing yield
• Higher proportion of leaf over stem material
• Increased tillering capacity
• Generally higher feed quality and forage yield than grain-type cereals.
In most areas where winter feed with a subsequent fodder opportunity is needed, forage oats, triticale and barley may be planted from late summer through to mid-winter. Some oats and barley may also have application for late winter and early spring sowing in southern areas with excellent results.
Forage cereals may play a significant role as a break crop as part of a pasture renovation program and at the same time provide a valuable feed source when other options may be unreliable. Cereal forage crops may be further enhanced by the inclusion of other species such as vetch, field peas, short-term ryegrass, annual clovers and forage brassicas.
FORAGE CEREALS
Sowing:
Forage cereals are well suited to sowing into either a prepared seed bed, or more commonly, by direct drilling into spray-fallows or crop residues. Consider the paddock history, or conduct a soil test to determine fertiliser requirement. Sowing depth should be between 10−35mm, although slightly deeper sowing is often still satisfactory.
Grazing:
Forage cereal crops are generally ready for a light first grazing when 20−25cm high, down to about 10cm. This will be around 6−8 weeks after sowing depending on conditions, and the crop can be allowed to re-grow for multiple subsequent grazings. True forage cereals have increased capacity for re-tillering after grazing. As the crop develops in late winter and early spring, be sure to check that the growing point or first node (Zadok’s 31) is not being removed. Grazing after nodes start forming will very likely reduce subsequent silage or hay yield potential.
500mm rainfall
600mm rainfall
700mm rainfall
800mm rainfall Irrigation
SOWING RATES KG/HA
40−60 70−90 80−90 80−100 100−120
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
14
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � � � � �t t t
Feed u u u� � � � � �t t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Forage oats are a broadly adapted and reliable winter forage crop and are the most widely used of the forage cereals. Forage oats are easy to establish and are the only true forage cereal that can be sown in late summer and early autumn, giving forage oats the highest potential yield of the forage cereals.
Forage oats have a winter habit – growth will slow over the colder months and are slower to establish if sown too late. They produce reasonably well from a late winter/early spring planting given a higher sowing rate. In southern Australia, barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is a significant disease limiting production in susceptible varieties.
FORAGE OATS (Avena sativa) 60−100 kg/ha
• True forage oat• Exceptional early vigour• High winter and good overall yield• High quality, leafy feed• Excellent BYDV tolerance• Suitable for grazing, silage and hay• Suits southern climate zones.
• New release• Sets a news benchmark in yield –
9% over Aladdin and Genie, 15% over Drover and Taipan• Good early growth • Excellent recovery from grazing and cutting• Medium maturity• Well suited to northern climate zones• There are reports of a new pathotype of leaf rust that infects Wizard. In
the absence of the pathotype, Wizard will appear resistant.
• Excellent seedling vigour leading to more early growth• Very late maturity which stays leafy into late spring• Widely used, well regarded variety • Suits northern and southern climate zones.
MAMMOTH
WIZARD
GENIE
Most soil types
Most soil types
Most soil types
4.5–8.0
4.5–8.0
4.5–8.0
400mm+
400mm+
400mm+
WARLOCK
• New release for 2019• Bred by Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI)• A significant step-change in DM yield - 18% higher that Genie.
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
15
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � � � � �t t t
Feed u u u� � � � � �t t t
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u u u� � � �t t t
Feed u u u u� � � �t t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum sowing time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
Triticale is a cross between wheat and cereal rye or ryecorn. Combining the quality and yield of wheat and the broad adaptability of rye, triticale is an extremely hardy and adaptable species. It has good disease resistance and is suited to a wide range of climates and growing conditions including light, sandy soil. It can also tolerate acid soils and waterlogging better than other forage cereal species, and has a more developed root system, giving better suitability to light soils.
The reliable grain yield of triticale is the key factor in its use for whole crop silage production. With whole crop silage, the crop is taken through to near maturity and while other cereals lose feed quality rapidly after emergence and continue to fall, the quality of triticale is retained.
Barley has fast establishment and high winter production. It is best suited to late planting situations where its quick early growth under cold conditions is an advantage over other forage cereals. Barley provides excellent forage for grazing, hay or silage, with good forage quality. The later planting window gives more flexibility with programs that may include later finishing crops like corn, maize or sorghum and an earlier finish offers the best chance of following summer crops being sown earlier.
Dictator 2 is a hooded or awnless type, thus making it suitable for hay production, or it is very useful for use as standing summer feed. Dictator 2 is far less prone to lodging than other barleys.
FORAGE TRITICALE (X Triticosecale) 60−120 kg/ha
FORAGE BARLEY Hordeum vulgare (H. distichum L) 60−100 kg/ha
• Mid/late maturity• Stripe rust resistant• Very high forage yield or whole crop silage option• Excellent winter vigour• Very good resistance to lodging• Long and broad leaves• Can be sown earlier than the original Crackerjack
• True forage barley bred to replace Dictator• Fastest winter growth of all true forage cereals• Ideal for late sowing• Rapid establishment and early growth• Quick regrowth after grazing• Awnless – suits haymaking as well as silage• Highest feed quality of forage cereal options:• Higher Metabolisable Energy (ME)• Lower Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF)• Very high stock acceptance.
CRACKERJACK 2
DICTATOR 2
Most soil types
Most soil types
4.8–8.0
5.4–8.0
450mm+
450mm+
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
16
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Veg Boot Flower Milk Dough
ND
F %
WSC
%, C
P%, M
E%
2016 Howlong - Dictator 2 Forage Barley Feed Values
WSC CP ME NDF
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Veg Boot Flower Milk Dough
ND
F %
WSC
%, C
P%, M
E%
2016 Howlong - Crackerjack 2 Triticale Feed Values
WSC CP ME NDF
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Veg Boot Flower Milk
ND
F %
WSC
%, C
P%, M
E%
2016 Howlong - Forage Oat Feed Values
WSC CP ME NDF
Whilst cereals are often required to provide simple bulk feed, there are opportunities to ensure that higher quality fodder may be produced. Continuing trial work at Howlong, New South Wales since 2014, has been developing some key information to support potential beneficial options such as forage cereal mixtures with other species, and to offer information to guide harvest timing.Where cereals were sown either as a sole species or with 20% annual ryegrass (Vortex), feed testing of harvested Crackerjack 2 triticale and Mammoth oats returned a comparative step up in energy levels. Test results reliably indicate an improvement for energy of 0.5 to 0.7 ME MJ/kg DM of the mix compared to the straight cereal sowings. There are also reliable yield benefits in the grazing season and post silage harvest with some very useful re-growth potential from the grass in favourable situations.
QUALITY AND BEST VALUE FROM FORAGE CEREALS
Best harvest timing for forage cereal hay or silage quality
OatsHarvest at Boot stage Excellent ME 10–11 MJ/kg DM
(just before or at ear emergence) Low NDF, excellent WSC, OK NDF 48%
Later harvest will offer more yield, although energy declines markedly.
TriticaleHarvest at Milk stage Good ME of 9–9.5 MJ/kg DM
(completion of grain fill) High sugars, moderate NDF
Late dough harvest will have a lower sugar content (WSC, but ME and NDF stable)
BarleyHarvest at Milk stage Excellent ME of 10–10.5 MJ/kg DM
(completion of grain fill) Low NDF, OK protein
Harvesting at dough stage lowers CP, increases NDF a little, but still very good.
Cereal rye (ryecorn, rye) Secale cereal 40–75 kg/ha
Ryecorn has the potential for useful quick winter feed in a late autumn sowing window, and may be used as a cover crop in some lighter soil situations. Feed value declines rapidly from late winter and rye crops should be terminated before spring, as silage or hay are likely to have poor stock acceptance with very high fibre (70% plus NDF) and little feed value with ME of under 7.5 MJ/kg DM.
DM: Dry matter in feed. ME: Metabolisable energy as megajoules per kilogram of DM. WSC: Water soluble carbohydrates (sugars) as % of DM.CP: Crude protein as percentage of DM. NDF: Neutral detergent fibre – slowly or largely indigestible percentage of DM.
When to harvest
When to harvest
When to harvest
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
17
Vetch is a winter and spring growing annual legume that is commonly used as a disease break in cereal cropping rotations. A multi-purpose crop, it offers high feed value and is ideal for hay production, early grazing as green pasture, dry grazing or green/brown manure. Vetch is often highly sought as a fodder to support dairying due to excellent quality and palatability. Common vetch may be used for grain.
Vetch has the ability to improve soil fertility by fixing large amounts of nitrogen (N) to the soil, which helps to meet the needs of following crops. It responds well to a wide range of soil types however it does not tolerate water-logging. There are a number of different vetch species all of which may be used for grazing or hay:
Common vetch (Vicia sativa) e.g. Morava, Rasina, Volga, Languedoc and Blanchefleur. Grain larger seed size, lower % hard-seeded than other vetches. Usually faster to establish than other vetch types.
Woolly-pod vetch (Vicia villosa) e.g. Capello, RM4, Haymaker and Namoi. Smaller seed size, grain is toxic to stock: make hay before pod-set. Generally higher % hard-seeded than common vetch 15−20% higher hay yield potential than common vetch.
Purple vetch (Vicia benghalensis) e.g. Popany Grazing, silage, hay, grain hard-seededness varies with cultivars (Purple vetch now very much outclassed by new common and woolly-pod types.)
Sowing Initial weed control is usually essential for a good crop. Spray-fallow or stale-seed bed should be incorporated into the program. Vetch may be an initially slow crop to develop, but once well-established, vetch is relatively competitive compared to other legumes.
As a rule of thumb, very often the best sowing window for a district coincides with barley sowing time:
Lower rainfall, spring dry areas April–May
Medium rainfall areas May–June
Higher rainfall/cold winter areas July–August (or later)
Group E inoculant ought to be applied to seed where vetch, peas or faba beans have not been grown previously.
There is some variation in seed sizes, common vetch the largest, woolly-pod the smallest, requiring allowance for seeding rate, depending on the species being sown. Target plant densities are usually from 40 to 70 plants/m². Cereal vetch mixes are generally about 2:1 to 1:2 w/w, depending on seed sizes, and desired outcome.
Sowing depth: Heavier soils: 10–20 mm | Lighter soils: 15–40 mm
VETCH
GrazingThere is some potential for carefully managed grazing of vetch crops. During the growing phase, allow the plant to develop secondary nodes prior to grazing, and manage grazing such that a good number of these are preserved to provide for regrowth potential. Common vetch may be grazed through flowering or as a standing hay crop. Woolly-pod vetch must not be grazed after pod-set.
Vetch – typical sowing rates kg/ha
Sole stand In a mix (cereal)
Species Lower rainfall
Higher rainfall
Lower rainfall
Higher rainfall
Common vetch 30−50 50−70 25−40 30−50
Woolly-pod vetch 15−30 30−40 15−25 25−30
Purple vetch 30−40 40−60 20−30 30−40
Retain lower nodes to enable regrowth.
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
18
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant u u� � �t t t t
Feed u u� � � �t t t
SOWING & GRAZING WINDOW
u Earlier than ideal, but acceptable � Optimum sowing time t Later than ideal, but acceptable
• Resistant to rust and tolerant to ascochyta• Replacement for all current varieties in areas with average rainfall
above 300mm• Soft-seeded variety and non-shattering• Vigorous early plant growth and good grazing palatability• Produces more biomass than other varieties in medium–high rainfall
zones.
• High yielding, rust resistant common vetch variety• Multi-purpose suitable for grain, hay/silage, grazing or green/brown
manure• Earlier in maturity by 7−12 days than Rasina (90−100 days from
seeding to full flowering)• Very good early establishment• Moderately Resistant (MR) to ascochyta blight. Susceptible (S) to botrytis• The best adapted vetch variety for grain and hay production in low-mid
rainfall areas.
• Best early vigour of all lines in SARDI research trials• Long-term average dry matter yield 108% of Capello• Early maturity—can be cut for hay 10−15 days earlier than current
varieties• Good frost tolerance in international testing• Soft-seeded.
• Hard-seeded, good regeneration from seed• Selected for improved DM production over Namoi• Suitable for grazing, hay and green manuring• Highly efficient nitrogen fixation• Offers a disease break in cropping rotations• Resistance to spot, rust and ascochyta.
VOLGA
MORAVA
RM4
HAYMAKER
Well drained
Well drained
Well drained
Well drained
E
E
E
E
5.0–8.0
5.0–8.0
5.0–8.0
5.0–8.0
300mm+
350mm+
375mm+
325mm+
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
19
Vari
ety/i
esA
rnie
Vort
ex
Hogan
Tem
po
Hulk
Ast
on
Shogun
Barb
eria
Com
mander
Vis
ta,
Lightn
ing,
Lase
r, Z
ulu
II
Leafm
ore
Inte
rval
Falc
on
Mam
moth
, A
laddin
,
Gen
ieCr
ack
erja
ck 2
Dic
tato
r 2
Volg
a
Mora
vaRM
4
Haym
ak
er
Type
Ann
ual
ryeg
rass
(d
iplo
id)
Ann
ual
ryeg
rass
(te
trapl
oid)
Italia
n ry
egra
ss
(dip
loid
)
Italia
n ry
egra
ss
(tetra
ploi
d)
Hyb
rid
ryeg
rass
(te
trapl
oid)
Mul
ti-yea
r,
hard
y ry
egra
ssC
hico
ryBa
lans
a, P
ersia
n &
A
rrow
leaf
clo
vers
Har
dy R
ape
Tall
Rape
Leaf
y Tu
rnip
Oat
sTr
itica
leBa
rley
Com
mon
Ve
tch
Woo
lly P
od
Vetc
h
Stock
Cla
sses
1D
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, BD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
, WD
, B, L
D, B
, L
Fodder
Options
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
ge,
Hay
-Si
lage
,H
ay-
--
Sila
ge,
Hay
Sila
geSi
lage
, H
aySi
lage
, H
aySi
lage
,H
ay
Sow
ing r
ate
(k
g/h
a)2
Hig
h in
put/
Irrig
.20
–25
25–3
520
–25
25–3
525
–35
20–2
56–
10
Usu
ally
in g
rass
mix
es
44
6–8
100
100–
120
85–1
0050
–70
40–5
0
Goo
d dr
ylan
d15
–20
2515
–20
2525
15–2
04–
63
34–
680
–100
100
75–8
040
–60
30–4
0
Mar
gina
l dry
land
12–1
520
10–1
520
2010
–15
2–4
22
2–3
60–8
060
–80
50–6
030
–40
25–3
0
In a
mix
(typ
ical
)15
–20
20–2
515
–20
20–2
520
–25
12–1
81.
5–3.
02−
60.
5–2.
00.
5–2.
02–
325
–50
25–5
025
–50
25–4
020
–25
Ove
rsow
ing
gene
rally
15–2
020
–25
15–2
020
–25
20–2
510
–15
4–6
rare
ly-
--
40–8
040
–80
40–8
0-
-
Ove
rsow
ing
Kiku
yu25
–35
35–5
025
–35
35–5
035
–50
rare
ly-
rare
ly-
--
80–1
0080
–100
80–1
00-
-
Sow
ing t
ime3
Early
aut
umn
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
-U
sefu
lG
ood
Goo
d
Mid
aut
umn
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
Idea
lId
eal
OK
Goo
dG
ood
OK
Goo
dId
eal
Idea
lO
KId
eal
Idea
l
Late
aut
umn/
win
ter
OK
OK
Use
ful,
but s
low
to g
et g
oing
if la
te s
own
Avoi
dU
sual
ly s
low
Little
win
ter g
row
th if
late
sow
nO
KO
KId
eal
OK
in m
ild w
inte
r are
as
Early
spr
ing
Use
ful
Use
ful
Goo
d fo
r are
as w
ith e
xten
ded
sprin
g se
ason
Idea
lO
K in
mild
sum
mer
ar
eas
May
bol
t if s
own
too
early
OK
OK
for e
xten
ded
sprin
g ar
eas
Goo
d in
late
spr
ing
area
s
Sugges
ted m
in 9
am
Soil
C°
at
sow
ing
date
8–10
8–10
8–10
8–10
8–10
8–10
12–1
412
−14
12–1
412
–14
12–1
48–
108–
108–
1012
–14
12–1
4
Wee
ks
to fi
rst
gra
ze4
7–8
7–8
7–8
7–8
7–8
8–10
7–10
8−10
8–10
10–1
2'6
–87–
107–
107–
10 1
0–14
10–
14
Reg
row
th c
apaci
ty5
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntLim
ited
Limite
d
Guid
e to
num
ber
of
gra
zings
typic
ally
poss
ible
Man
yM
any
Man
yM
any
Man
yM
any
Man
yM
any
2–3
+1–
2 +
3–4
+2–
3 +
1–2
+1–
2 +
one
one
WIN
TER F
ORA
GES
Q
UIC
K R
EFER
ENCE
GU
IDE
Win
ter F
eed
and
Fora
ge G
uide
Nutr
itio
nal
featu
res6
(typic
al a
naly
sis)
Veg
etative
gro
wth
Who
le c
rop
% D
M
16–1
816
15 -
1714
–15
14–1
514
–15
22–3
025
–35
20–3
017
–24
16–2
5
Who
le c
rop
ME
M
J/kg
DM
11–1
2.5
11–1
211
- 12
11–1
311
–13
11–1
39–
11.5
9.5–
12.5
9.5–
12.5
9.5–
1210
.5–1
3
Who
le c
rop
CP%
16–2
511
–13
17 -
2717
–20
17–2
017
–20
9–14
10–1
510
–16
18–3
018
–30
Who
le c
rop
ND
F%35
–42
18–3
024
- 32
22–2
522
–25
16–1
940
–55
40–5
540
–55
30–4
032
–45
Sila
ge
(good t
imin
g)
Onl
y en
sile
whe
n in
mix
ed s
war
ds
Sila
ge is
pos
sible
alth
ough
rare
ly is
it
purp
osef
ully
mad
e. H
avin
g 10
-30%
fora
ge
rape
in a
mix
ed s
war
d sil
age
with
gra
ss o
r ce
real
s ca
n be
reas
onab
ly g
ood
Feed
val
ues
simila
r to
good
ve
tch
hay.
Use
of s
ilage
in
ocul
ant i
s es
sent
ial f
or g
ood
resu
lts
ME
MJ/
kgD
M9.
5–10
.58.
5 - 1
18.
5–10
8.5–
10.5
9–10
.5
CP%
14–2
015
- 22
7–12
8.5–
109–
12.5
ND
F%50
–60
40 -
5550
–60
50–6
045
–55
Hay (
wel
l made)
Uns
uita
ble
for
hay
Rare
ly ta
ken
for h
ayU
nsui
tabl
e fo
r hay
ME
MJ/
kgD
M8–
9.5
7.5
- 11
8–10
9–10
.58.
5–11
9–11
CP%
10–1
215
- 22
6–11
7–12
17–2
215
–25
ND
F%55
–65
40 -
6055
–70
45–6
035
–45
42–5
5
Co-s
pec
ies
Com
patibili
ty7
Ann
ual r
yegr
asse
sEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntra
rely
rare
lyG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
nt
Rar
ely
in m
ixes
oth
er th
an
with
cer
eals
Italia
n ry
egra
sses
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
nt
Shog
un ry
egra
ssra
rely
rare
lyEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntG
ood
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Goo
dG
ood
Goo
dRa
rely
justi
fied
Barb
eria
ryeg
rass
rare
lyra
rely
Goo
dG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntG
ood
Goo
dG
ood
Rare
ly ju
stifie
d
Ann
ual c
love
rsG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
nt
Cer
eals
usua
lly to
o co
mpe
titiv
e to
ass
ure
good
clo
ver c
onte
nt
Whi
te c
love
rra
rely
rare
lyG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
nt
Pere
nnia
l typ
e cl
over
s on
ly in
frequ
ently
use
d w
ith a
nnua
l clo
vers
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Red
clov
erra
rely
rare
lyG
ood
Goo
dEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntG
ood
Goo
dG
ood
Sub-
clov
ers
rare
lyra
rely
rare
lyra
rely
Goo
dEx
celle
ntG
ood
Goo
dG
ood
Goo
d
Fora
ge ra
pes
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Goo
dG
ood
Exce
llent
Goo
dC
an b
e a
very
goo
d m
ix
Chi
cory
Goo
dG
ood
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Rare
ly ju
stifie
d
Fora
ge c
erea
lsEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntEx
celle
ntra
rely
rare
lyra
rely
Cer
eals
usua
lly s
mot
her
Can
be
a ve
ry g
ood
mix
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Vetc
hVe
tch
rare
ly m
ixed
with
ryeg
rass
es a
s w
ill be
out
-com
pete
d as
a ru
lera
rely
Rare
ly ju
stifie
dRa
rely
justi
fied
Exce
llent
Exce
llent
Goo
d
1.
D D
airy
, B B
eef,
L La
mb/
Inte
nsiv
e sh
eep,
W W
ool/
exte
nsiv
e sh
eep
2. S
owin
g ra
tes
and
rela
tive
succ
ess
will
depe
nd o
n va
rious
fiel
d fa
ctor
s an
d m
anag
emen
t app
lied.
Hig
her r
ates
for h
igh
prod
uctio
n ex
pect
atio
ns.
3. E
arlie
r dat
es w
ill la
rgel
y on
ly s
uit c
ool-te
mpe
rate
are
as.
War
m/
hot s
umm
er a
reas
sho
uld
sow
tow
ards
the
end
of th
e w
indo
w. E
arly
spr
ing
sow
ing
date
s ar
e th
e re
vers
e: w
arm
/ho
t ar
eas
sow
ear
lier f
or b
est r
esul
ts.
4. T
ypic
al m
inim
um g
row
th ti
mes
with
sui
tabl
e m
oistu
re a
nd g
row
ing
cond
ition
s. S
low
ger
min
atio
n an
d pl
ant s
tress
es w
ill lik
ely
dela
y cr
op d
evel
opm
ent.
5. P
lant
pot
entia
l due
to s
peci
fic c
hara
cter
istic
s, p
rovi
ded
moi
sture
, nut
rient
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PASTURE MIXES
Quality grazing and fodder 1−2 yearsRenovator SR offers the combination of Hogan for fast establishment and high winter growth and Hulk Italian ryegrass for longer lasting feed into the late spring-early summer. AgriCote annual clovers improve the quality of pasture for grazing, silage or hay production.
High yield silage crop (pea and oat mix)This blend offers an excellent later planting option for good silage production in southern areas. Usually sown from June to September in higher rainfall areas with a typically longer spring season. High yield of good quality feed may be produced from a modest area over a relatively short period. Mammoth oats provide yield, energy and reliable bulk. Field peas add protein and improve digestibility and overall animal performance. Silage inoculation is usually advisable at harvest time. Harvest when the pea is at flat pod or the oats milky-dough, whichever is first.
High yield grazing and fodder 1 yearA fast establishing, highly productive annual mix ideal for high quality winter grazing and spring hay or silage. Suited to irrigation or 500mm+ winter dominant rainfall broad acre systems.
RENOVATOR SR
RENOVATOR SPRING SILAGE BLEND
MEATMASTER ST
Wide range
Wide range
Wide range
AgriCote
AgriCote
E
4.8–8.0
4.5–8.0
4.5–8.0
500mm+
500mm+
500mm+
VARIETY SPECIES %
Hulk Italian ryegrass 30
Hogan Annual ryegrass 50
Laser Persian clover 20
Sowing rate: 25–30 kg/ha
VARIETY SPECIES %
Mammoth Forage oats 40
Morgan Field pea 60
Sowing rate: 120 −180 kg/ha
VARIETY SPECIES %
Vortex Annual ryegrass 80
Laser Persian clover 10
Vista Balansa clover 10
Sowing rate: 20–25 kg/ha
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
22
NOTES
OTHER PUBLICATIONS FROM HERITAGE SEEDSFor a copy of any of these guides please e-mail [email protected] or visit www.heritageseeds.com.au
INSIST ON THE YELLOW BAG
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
PERENNIAL PASTURE GUIDE
INSIST ON THE YELLOW BAG
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
PASTURE
EDITION 3
Winter Feed and Forage Guide
23
Disclaimer: The information presented in this publication is offered in good faith, based on seed industry data and relevant advice. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and freedom from error. Heritage Seeds, its agents or advisors, accepts no responsibility for any loss or actions arising from viewing the publication’s content. Copyright Heritage Seeds © 2018
Applicable Heritage Seeds’ varieties are protected under the PBR Act 1994FREECALL 1800 007 333 www.heritageseeds.com.au
For more information please contact your localTerritory Manager:NORTH QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN TERRITORY
Greg ForsythTerritory Manager
0437 867 [email protected]
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Matthew Lockwood Territory Manager
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Tony Stewart Territory Manager and Regional Agronomist – Northern
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NORTH WEST NEW SOUTH WALES
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Adam Firth Territory Manager
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Mark Rouse Territory Manager
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0427 010 870 [email protected]
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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Tim O’DeaTerritory Manager0429 203 [email protected]
COMMERCIAL MANAGER – SOUTHERN REGION
Steve Ainsworth0428 091 [email protected]
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